I want to break down this interesting comment from a Google employee about the upcoming Linux terminal on Android.

The main purpose of this Linux terminal feature is to bring more apps (Linux apps/tools/games) into Android, but NOT to bring yet another desktop environment. Android, as speculated by the public, will have better desktop-class windowing system. We think it would in general be bad to present multiple options for the window management on a single device. Ideally, when in the desktop window mode, Linux apps shall be rendered on windows just like with other native Android apps.

This however doesn’t mean that we prohibit the installation of any Linux desktop management system (xfce, gnome, etc.) in the VM. I just mean that those won’t be provided as the default experience as you would expect. But, because Android is an open-source project, I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be any device maker who ships such a Linux desktop management system by default.

And GPU acceleration is something we are preparing for the next release. Stay tuned! :)

As a long-time ChromeOS user myself, I’m personally buzzing with excitement, because this isn’t just about a command line; it’s a potential paradigm shift for Android’s capabilities. What exactly are we talking about? You can find more background details about this upcoming terminal in this Android Authority article from THE Mishaal Rahman. Seriously, stop reading this and go read that and come back.

The key takeaway is right in the first line: “The main purpose of this Linux terminal feature is to bring more apps (Linux apps/tools/games) into Android, but NOT to bring yet another desktop environment." Think of it like this: Google isn’t trying to turn your phone into a full-blown Linux desktop in your pocket (at least, not directly). They’re aiming to unlock a vast library of existing Linux software and make it available to Android users. Imagine running powerful command-line tools, niche utilities, or even Linux-exclusive games directly on your Android device. But the implications run deeper than just running a few extra apps.

The comment then dips into the “windowing system” on Android and what that should look like. The Google employee says Android should have a better desktop class windowing system. Essentially, if you’re using Android in a desktop mode (think plugged into a monitor, with a keyboard and mouse), Linux apps will behave like native Android apps, fitting seamlessly into the existing window management system. This tells us a few things: Google is definitely thinking about desktop mode on Android, and they’re prioritizing a consistent user experience. This brings us to Google’s official position.

The next section is crucial: ”…those won’t be provided as the default experience as you would expect. But, because Android is an open-source project, I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be any device maker who ships such a Linux desktop management system by default." This is Google walking a tightrope. They’re not officially supporting a full Linux desktop environment (like XFCE or Gnome) out-of-the-box. They’re leaving the door wide open for device manufacturers (like Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) to build their own implementations on top of the foundation they’re providing, setting the stage for innovation.

If you want a true Linux desktop experience on your Android device, you probably won’t get it straight from Google, but expect some clever companies shipping devices with custom Android builds that integrate a full desktop environment. If this sounds familiar, it’s because this strategy mirrors Google’s approach to integrating Linux into ChromeOS. Chromebooks have had Linux support (via a container called Crostini) for years, and the experience is remarkably similar to what the Google employee is describing for Android.

On ChromeOS, Linux applications run in a container and are displayed as regular windows alongside Chrome apps. The underlying Linux environment is there, accessible via the terminal, but it’s not the default user experience. ChromeOS retains its primary focus, while Linux provides a powerful expansion of its capabilities. This is a good thing for a number of reasons.

The ChromeOS implementation has been largely successful, and applying that experience to Android is a smart move. A proven model helps with everything from security and isolation to minimal impact on the core OS, and finally flexibility. All of these things lead to the most exciting tidbit.

The final, and arguably most exciting, tidbit: “And GPU acceleration is something we are preparing for the next release. Stay tuned! :)" This means that Linux apps running on Android will be able to leverage the device’s GPU for improved performance. Think smoother graphics, faster processing, and the possibility of running more demanding applications and even gaming. GPU acceleration is available for Crostini on ChromeOS and has massively improved the performance and usability of Linux apps that require them. What does this actually mean for users?

Based on my own ChromeOS experience, Linux apps that are likely to be game-changers on Android cover a few universes: Web Development Stacks, Code Editors, Image and Video Editors, Command-Line Tools, Retro Gaming Emulators.

Having these opened up on Android would be incredible. I can personally attest to the improved workflow that Linux applications on ChromeOS bring, but that is one part of what this upgrade can bring.

It’s is incredibly exciting, but it also highlights the need for more powerful ARM-based hardware in both the Android and ChromeOS ecosystems. I’m really hoping that chipmakers like Qualcomm start bringing their Snapdragon X Elite series of chips (or similar performance-class processors) to Chromebooks as well. Imagine a ChromeOS device with the performance and efficiency of those new ARM chips – it would be a true game-changer for running demanding Linux applications! The Snapdragon X Elite is showing so much potential on Windows, and it would be amazing if Chromebooks could leverage that same power. The more powerful the chip is in these devices, the better these apps will be!

I’m really looking forward to Android’s Linux integration, and I’m confident that it will unlock a whole new world of possibilities for mobile productivity and creativity.